The Dragon's Shield

Lynaria walked out of the building in silence, ignoring Ares, who trailed after her with relentless curiosity.

"What did he say to you earlier? Why do you two seem so close? Have you known him for long?" Ares asked, his voice full of suspicion.

"It was just small talk," Lynaria replied curtly, hoping to put an end to his questioning.

But her dismissive tone only encouraged Ares, who bombarded her with even more questions. His ceaseless chatter grated on her nerves, leaving her exhausted by the time they arrived at their temporary lodging.

Inside her room, Lynaria was startled to find Kaelron, her master, standing by the window, his expression unreadable.

"What did you learn from Prince Sun?" Kaelron asked calmly.

Still catching her breath from the surprise, Lynaria quickly recounted the details of her conversation with the prince. Before she could finish, a knock came at the door.

Kaelron's sharp gaze flicked to the door. "Who is it?"

Lynaria peeked through the peephole and froze. "It's… Prince Sun."

Kaelron's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Open the door and find out what he wants."

"But, my lord, what about—"

"Just open it," Kaelron ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Reluctantly, Lynaria obeyed. As the door swung open, she faced Prince Sun with a wary expression.

"Lynaria, what a coincidence to see you here," Prince Sun said smoothly. "I happened to spot you entering this inn. Won't you invite me in?"

"It's late," Lynaria replied firmly. "I was just about to sleep."

Though clearly displeased, Prince Sun nodded. "Very well. Until tomorrow, then."

As the prince turned to leave, Ares emerged from the room next door, causing Prince Sun to pause. His golden eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"Lynaria claimed you're married," the prince said, his tone sharp. "Why, then, are you staying in separate rooms?"

Ares quickly recovered, his smile disarming. "I was catching up with an old friend. I'm heading to bed now."

"And you, Prince Sun?" Ares continued. "Your palace is not far from here. What brings you to this place?"

The prince's lips twitched. "I had business to attend to. I'll be returning shortly."

With their lies exchanged, the two men parted ways, neither trusting the other.

---

The next morning, Lynaria sat in the inn's dining hall with Kaelron, deep in conversation. Ares, disheveled and groggy, joined them halfway through.

"Tyra's forces are planning to attack tonight," Kaelron said grimly.

"Tyra?" Lynaria asked, confused.

"The mermaid queen," Ares interjected. "The one you and Prince Sun met yesterday."

Lynaria nodded in understanding but was soon interrupted by Ares's teasing grin.

"I heard Prince Sun is quite fond of you," Ares said with a smirk.

"Not just fond," he added, "He wanted to take her back to his palace. I had to claim she was my wife to stop him!"

Kaelron's jaw tightened, and his cold gaze pinned Ares in place.

"For that, you can clean the royal library today," Kaelron said curtly.

---

Despite her reservations, Lynaria agreed to meet Prince Sun again, this time under Kaelron's watchful eye. She arrived at the rendezvous point, keeping her distance as the prince smiled at her.

"You're avoiding me," Prince Sun said, his voice teasing. "Are you afraid I'll do something?"

Lynaria forced a polite smile. "I just don't want my husband to misunderstand."

Prince Sun stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Stop lying to me. I know you're not married."

Lynaria remained calm despite his sharp words. "If you don't believe me, then what do you want from me now?"

"Be my queen," Prince Sun said bluntly. "Marry me."

Lynaria's eyes widened in shock. "If I agree, will you call off the attack tonight?"

The prince's expression hardened. "No. My vengeance and my feelings for you are two separate matters."

Realizing negotiation was futile, Lynaria made a bold decision. "Fine. I'll go with you to your palace."

Prince Sun's smile returned, full of triumph. He eagerly led her toward the wolf kingdom, unaware that Kaelron was watching them from the shadows, his expression stormy.

"She's more loyal to her first love than to you," someone murmured beside him, fueling Kaelron's growing rage.